You pay at the time of your visit, and we’ll file your insurance claim for you — your insurance will reimburse you directly based on your plan’s coverage.
Our membership plans make it easy to prioritize your child’s oral health and overall wellness without the stress of insurance limitations or unexpected costs.
We’ll always provide detailed treatment estimates and work with you to find payment solutions that fit your family’s budget and healthcare goals.
When your baby struggles to latch, feeds for unusually long stretches, or your toddler has trouble pronouncing certain sounds, a lip-tie or tongue-tie may be playing a role. These soft tissue restrictions are present from birth and can affect how a child feeds, speaks, and even breathes. The good news is these conditions are identifiable, and with the right evaluation, you can get clear answers about whether intervention is the right path forward.
At Wellness Pediatric Dentistry & Airway, serving families throughout Castle Hills and the greater San Antonio area, we approach lip-tie and tongue-tie evaluations with both clinical precision and a transparent, parent-centered philosophy. As San Antonio’s first holistic pediatric dental practice, we believe you deserve to fully understand your child’s oral health before making any treatment decisions.
A tongue-tie (ankyloglossia) occurs when the lingual frenulum, the small band of tissue connecting the underside of the tongue to the floor of the mouth, is too short, thick, or tight. This limits the tongue’s range of motion. A lip-tie involves a similar restriction to the labial frenulum, the tissue connecting the upper lip to the gum line.
Both conditions are congenital and vary in severity. Some children show clear, visible signs, while others present with subtler symptoms that are easy to miss without a trained eye. The American Academy of Pediatrics released a 2024 clinical report on ankyloglossia and breastfeeding, emphasizing the importance of careful evaluation and a collaborative care approach before pursuing any surgical options.
You may be noticing certain patterns with your child’s feeding, speech, or dental development that prompted you to look into this further. The following signs are commonly associated with lip-ties and tongue-ties:
Not every child with these symptoms has a tie, and not every tie requires treatment. That distinction is exactly what a thorough evaluation is designed to clarify.
We take a minimally invasive, education-first approach to every evaluation. Dr. Christi Wengler brings her background as a Certified Lactation Counselor (CLC) and her Bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences directly into how she assesses infant feeding. This gives her a uniquely comprehensive view of how oral structure affects nutrition and early development.
During an evaluation, we assess the frenulum’s position, mobility, and functional impact. We look at how the restriction affects feeding mechanics or oral movement rather than focusing solely on appearance. Our holistic preventive care philosophy means we present all treatment options with full transparency, including non-surgical approaches such as myofunctional therapy and lactation support, before discussing any release procedures.
Experience the difference that holistic pediatric care can make for your child. Our comprehensive approach combines gentle techniques with transparent communication to create positive dental experiences that last a lifetime. We’re here to partner with you in supporting your child’s overall health and development through expert oral care.
From fluoride-free alternatives to airway-focused orthodontics, we offer the choices and expertise your family deserves. Schedule your consultation today and discover how our unique approach can benefit your child’s health and wellness journey.
Tongue function has a direct impact on palate shape, jaw development, and airway health. When the tongue cannot rest properly on the roof of the mouth due to a restriction, it may contribute to a narrow palate, altered breathing patterns, and disrupted sleep over time. This is a core reason our evaluation process goes beyond a quick visual check. Our airway-focused orthodontics team understands how early oral development shapes long-term health, and we consider these connections during every evaluation.
Most jaw growth happens before age six, so identifying and addressing restrictions early can have a meaningful impact on the path ahead.
If you’re coming in for a lip-tie or tongue-tie evaluation, we encourage you to review our new patient exam page so you know what to bring and what to expect. Our private, quiet rooms are designed for children who are sensitive to sensory stimulation, and we work at a pace that is comfortable for both your child and you.
We explain our findings clearly, walk you through all available options, and support whatever decision you make. You leave with the information you need, not just a recommendation.
Dr. Christi Wengler is a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a Certified Lactation Counselor, and an Air Force veteran with four years of advanced training abroad. She is a member of the International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM) and has completed Airway Health Solutions training.
If you’re in Castle Hills or the surrounding San Antonio area and want a thorough, transparent evaluation for your child’s lip-tie or tongue-tie, we’re here to help you find clear answers. Reach out today through our contact form to schedule your child’s evaluation.
